Jackson is a gifted artist. That we can all agree to. Well, unless you are an art teacher at a public school…
As you know from reading the website, our son’s goal is to be “a big artist.” He has always viewed himself as an artist. He draws and paints and enjoys art classes very much. He writes songs, and languages, and poems and stories. He is an endless font of creativity. So, I felt that he might have a decent shot at getting into a fine arts public school when he expressed an interest in applying.
We knew it would be a lot of work. Jackson and his school aide spent a lot of time working diligently on Jackson’s personal essay, compiling a portfolio and attending two Saturday meetings and tryouts. Alas, he did not get in.
When we received the rejection letter in the mail, he was sad for about one moment as he gasped when we told him the news. Then, he went to his room and said, “Don’t worry, I will always try my best.”
What I am thankful for is that this experience has not redefined how he sees himself. He still sees himself as an artist and continues to create every day.